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Shiurim & Adult Education
THOUGHTS ON VAYAKHEL PEKUDEI BY RABBI WILKINSON
This Shabbat is Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei and Shabbat Mevarchim, with Nissan and indeed Pesach approaching.
The Gemara in Rosh Hashanah tells us that ‘R’ Yehoshua says: The world was created in Nissan; the Patriarchs were born in Nissan; [the nation of Israel] was redeemed in Nissan; and in the future, they will be redeemed in Nissan.’
Of all the months, it seems clear that there is a special obligation to pray for redemption in Nissan, since we are destined to be redeemed in this month and so we should put a particular emphasis on the bracha for redemption in the weekday Amidah.
The moon’s renewal each month symbolizes the revitalization of a Jewish heart toward its Father in Heaven. The very first mitzvah given to the Jewish people was Kiddush HaChodesh, Sanctification of the month, for this mitzvah imparts the monumental importance of “yearning to be renewed,” which is critical for the fulfilment of the entire Torah. It thus served as the cornerstone for the redemption from Egypt, which occurred only after their hearts had been opened up with this rejuvenation.
It is also interesting that in contrast to other festivals which begin only when the festival actually starts, Pesach’s influence starts at the beginning of the month of Nissan. That is why the Sages state, “One may have thought that [the recitation of the Pesach Haggadah] should start from the beginning of the month,” because the illumination of the festival begins at the outset of the month. Since the epiphany of Pesach and its power of renewal begin already from Rosh Chodesh, Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel maintains that “We ask and expound upon the laws of Pesach for two weeks [prior to Pesach]” (Pesachim 6a). As the unique potentialities of Pesach begin at that time, it is fitting that we involve ourselves in these laws, which move a person to actualize those potentialities. For the festival’s inspiration and its power to rejuvenate began at the outset of the month — at which time Hashem invested them with the power to yearn, and Israel had thus already demonstrated its desire to be renewed and redeemed.
Under normal conditions, one who suffers through an extended period of slavery and affliction is prone to sinking into depression and despair, feelings that typically rob one of all initiative, and create a cloud of hopelessness that can result in the loss of the will to live. Yet, even at such times, a spark of hope can suddenly arise and invigorate a person with fresh energy. This inspiration may very well be sourced in the power of yearning that Hashem implanted into the Jews in Egypt. Ever since then, and stretching throughout the ages, Jews have been blessed with an unusually powerful desire to renew themselves. The numerous Holocaust accounts of Jews, who under horrific conditions, displayed a heroic desire to fight for their lives and observe mitzvot to whatever extent possible, who survived despite appalling conditions and then merited to build Torah-true homes that adorn Israel, attest to that power of renewal.
It is that power of yearning and renewal that we need to make a connection with as we continue to pray for the ultimate redemption.
Wishing you and your families Shabbat shalom and Chodesh tov
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